The ARISS program was created and is managed by an international consortium of amateur radio organizations and space agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the USA, Rosaviakosmos in Russia, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in Canada, Japan Aeronautics Exploration Space Agency (JAXA) in Japan and European Space Agency (ESA) in Europe. Read More
Packet Module Status
July 25, 2017
ARISS has received several reports stating that the packet system on ISS is down. Here is what we know and our current forward plan.
The packet system in the Columbus module started to act up late last week, sending only a beacon. The ARISS team requested a power recycle by the crew, and with that power recycle, the packet system appears to have stop functioning completely. Note that this unit has been on-orbit for 17 years. It was launched on the STS-106 Space Shuttle Atlantis mission in September 2000 and was built, tested and certified for flight about 20 years ago.
The ARISS team has had some extensive discussions on the way forward. We would first like to do some additional troubleshooting with the existing packet module. It will take some time (weeks) to develop troubleshooting procedures, get the procedures approved by NASA and then conduct the tests with the crew. This includes an additional power cycle. The turnaround time is much longer than usual because a new crew will soon be arriving on ISS. The current crew is focused on the new crew arrival and there will be about a one- to two-week transition after the new crew arrives. On the positive side, one aspect of our troubleshooting—a second power cycle—will occur automatically because ARISS is shut down during crew docking and turned on afterwards. However, there will be more to our troubleshooting than just the power cycle.
We have some additional plans with alternative solutions, but those are currently being discussed and prioritized within the ARISS team. All solutions will require international ARISS team coordination, additional procedures and crew interaction. People who have carefully followed ISS operations know that crew time continues to evolve with the more extensive research that is occurring on-board. Suffice it to say, it will take longer than what it has taken in the past to work through this issue.
The above information is to make sure that ARISS properly sets expectations on how long it will take to resolve this. At this point, expect a few months with no ARISS packet.
As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with NASA on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line without your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the ARISS radio fund by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS web page (www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All donations, large and small are appreciated.
On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and support of our program.
Sincerely,
Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
ARISS International Chair
Next ARISS Contact: Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation Program contact at the ISS R&D Conference July 20, 2017 at 13:23 UTC
An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at ISS R&D conference, Washington, D.C. on 20 July. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 13:23 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.
This ARISS contact will be conducted with Youth in Aviation Program students from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) attending the ISS Research and Development conference as part of the conference’s STEM day. ECCTAI is one of the largest Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. chapters in United States and serves the Washington DC area. ECCTAI is dedicated to keeping alive the history, achievements, and importance of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The term, "Tuskegee Airmen," refers to the men and women, who were involved in the so-called "Tuskegee Experience", the World War II Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. ECCTAI strives to increase understanding of the “Tuskegee Experience” by honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of the men and women who participated in the “Tuskegee Experience” and to introduce young people to the world of aviation and space through its Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). YIAP motivates and inspires America’s youth to strive for similar excellence of these earlier pioneers, exposing them to aviation and space careers (Level I), attending FAA ground school (Level II) and receiving aircraft flight instruction or interning at an FAA certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) facility (Level III).
Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows:
1. What is one piece of advice you would give to upcoming students who would
like a career in the astronautical field?
2. How would you describe adjusting to your new environment on the
International Space Station after leaving Earth?
3. Before you became an astronaut, what were you working on and what were you
pursuing from a career perspective?
4. What is one of the most important things you learned while at the Air
Force Academy?
5. What research are you currently conducting on the ISS and why do you think
it is important?
6. We understand the microgravity environment on ISS affects your eyesight.
Does it affect your ability to smell and taste?
7. What is your specific role aboard the International Space Station?
8. How do you prevent mistakes or major errors on what you've been working
on?
9. Now that you have the opportunity to see Earth as it is outside our
atmosphere, do you believe there is another planet that can support our
form of life on Earth?
10. During the 2.5 hours that astronauts exercise, what type of exercises are
included in the Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study?
11. Are you living your dream? What’s next?
12. How did you know and at what age did you know you wanted to be an
astronaut?
13. With political tensions rising between countries on Earth, does this
affect your ability to work with the other countries aboard the ISS?
14. In your experience what was the scariest or most challenging thing to
happen while in space?
15. What did your do to prepare yourself for being in space, physically,
emotionally and mentally?
16. What would you say to anyone interested in joining the military, flying,
and going to space?
17. What will the International Space Station, especially your expedition, do
to prepare for the Commercial Crew Program?
18. On a scale of 1-5 (1 being the least stressful/most fun; 5 being the most
stressful/least fun), how would you rate your job?
19. What is the future for the International Space Station, and human
spaceflight in general?
20. What are some of the challenges you experienced because of prolonged
space flight?
21. You go through so much training for your journey. Is there one thing you
were not prepared for? If so what?
22. What is your daily work schedule like, and how many hours of sleep do you
get?
23. What are the pros and cons of being an astronaut?
24. What kind of training did you do before you were chosen for this ISS
expedition?
ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event
In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of ARISS, a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event is planned for Thursday, July 20 starting around 21:25 UTC. The event plans to feature images from ARISS activities both past and present. This opportunity should cover most of the world during the operation period.
The event plans to use a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the ham radio, specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710 transceiver. Those receiving the images can post them at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for viewing by the public.
The 20 year history of ARISS will be displayed through a collection of 12 unique images sharing the amazing accomplishments of ARISS over the last two decades. SSTV signals will be sent to earth at 145.80 MHz using FM. The SSTV mode of transmission is expected to be PD 120 (PD 180 may be a second option). The event is expected to continue over a two day period.
Since it’s inception, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has provided students an opportunity, through ham radio, to engage in conversation with orbiting astronauts and inspired many to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Consider how you might inspire students in your area through this chance to capture images directly from space to their computers.
Please note that the event, and any ARISS event, is dependent on other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and are subject to change at any time.
While preparations are being finalized please check for new and the most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the AMSAT-BB@amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status for the latest information on this event.
Upcoming Contacts
VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg
Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg
Find more details at Upcoming Contacts
July 25, 2017
ARISS has received several reports stating that the packet system on ISS is down. Here is what we know and our current forward plan.
The packet system in the Columbus module started to act up late last week, sending only a beacon. The ARISS team requested a power recycle by the crew, and with that power recycle, the packet system appears to have stop functioning completely. Note that this unit has been on-orbit for 17 years. It was launched on the STS-106 Space Shuttle Atlantis mission in September 2000 and was built, tested and certified for flight about 20 years ago.
The ARISS team has had some extensive discussions on the way forward. We would first like to do some additional troubleshooting with the existing packet module. It will take some time (weeks) to develop troubleshooting procedures, get the procedures approved by NASA and then conduct the tests with the crew. This includes an additional power cycle. The turnaround time is much longer than usual because a new crew will soon be arriving on ISS. The current crew is focused on the new crew arrival and there will be about a one- to two-week transition after the new crew arrives. On the positive side, one aspect of our troubleshooting—a second power cycle—will occur automatically because ARISS is shut down during crew docking and turned on afterwards. However, there will be more to our troubleshooting than just the power cycle.
We have some additional plans with alternative solutions, but those are currently being discussed and prioritized within the ARISS team. All solutions will require international ARISS team coordination, additional procedures and crew interaction. People who have carefully followed ISS operations know that crew time continues to evolve with the more extensive research that is occurring on-board. Suffice it to say, it will take longer than what it has taken in the past to work through this issue.
The above information is to make sure that ARISS properly sets expectations on how long it will take to resolve this. At this point, expect a few months with no ARISS packet.
As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with NASA on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line without your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the ARISS radio fund by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS web page (www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All donations, large and small are appreciated.
On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and support of our program.
Sincerely,
Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
ARISS International Chair
Next ARISS Contact: Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation Program contact at the ISS R&D Conference July 20, 2017 at 13:23 UTC
An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at ISS R&D conference, Washington, D.C. on 20 July. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 13:23 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.
This ARISS contact will be conducted with Youth in Aviation Program students from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) attending the ISS Research and Development conference as part of the conference’s STEM day. ECCTAI is one of the largest Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. chapters in United States and serves the Washington DC area. ECCTAI is dedicated to keeping alive the history, achievements, and importance of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The term, "Tuskegee Airmen," refers to the men and women, who were involved in the so-called "Tuskegee Experience", the World War II Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. ECCTAI strives to increase understanding of the “Tuskegee Experience” by honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of the men and women who participated in the “Tuskegee Experience” and to introduce young people to the world of aviation and space through its Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). YIAP motivates and inspires America’s youth to strive for similar excellence of these earlier pioneers, exposing them to aviation and space careers (Level I), attending FAA ground school (Level II) and receiving aircraft flight instruction or interning at an FAA certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) facility (Level III).
Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows:
1. What is one piece of advice you would give to upcoming students who would
like a career in the astronautical field?
2. How would you describe adjusting to your new environment on the
International Space Station after leaving Earth?
3. Before you became an astronaut, what were you working on and what were you
pursuing from a career perspective?
4. What is one of the most important things you learned while at the Air
Force Academy?
5. What research are you currently conducting on the ISS and why do you think
it is important?
6. We understand the microgravity environment on ISS affects your eyesight.
Does it affect your ability to smell and taste?
7. What is your specific role aboard the International Space Station?
8. How do you prevent mistakes or major errors on what you've been working
on?
9. Now that you have the opportunity to see Earth as it is outside our
atmosphere, do you believe there is another planet that can support our
form of life on Earth?
10. During the 2.5 hours that astronauts exercise, what type of exercises are
included in the Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study?
11. Are you living your dream? What’s next?
12. How did you know and at what age did you know you wanted to be an
astronaut?
13. With political tensions rising between countries on Earth, does this
affect your ability to work with the other countries aboard the ISS?
14. In your experience what was the scariest or most challenging thing to
happen while in space?
15. What did your do to prepare yourself for being in space, physically,
emotionally and mentally?
16. What would you say to anyone interested in joining the military, flying,
and going to space?
17. What will the International Space Station, especially your expedition, do
to prepare for the Commercial Crew Program?
18. On a scale of 1-5 (1 being the least stressful/most fun; 5 being the most
stressful/least fun), how would you rate your job?
19. What is the future for the International Space Station, and human
spaceflight in general?
20. What are some of the challenges you experienced because of prolonged
space flight?
21. You go through so much training for your journey. Is there one thing you
were not prepared for? If so what?
22. What is your daily work schedule like, and how many hours of sleep do you
get?
23. What are the pros and cons of being an astronaut?
24. What kind of training did you do before you were chosen for this ISS
expedition?
ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event
In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of ARISS, a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event is planned for Thursday, July 20 starting around 21:25 UTC. The event plans to feature images from ARISS activities both past and present. This opportunity should cover most of the world during the operation period.
The event plans to use a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the ham radio, specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710 transceiver. Those receiving the images can post them at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for viewing by the public.
The 20 year history of ARISS will be displayed through a collection of 12 unique images sharing the amazing accomplishments of ARISS over the last two decades. SSTV signals will be sent to earth at 145.80 MHz using FM. The SSTV mode of transmission is expected to be PD 120 (PD 180 may be a second option). The event is expected to continue over a two day period.
Since it’s inception, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has provided students an opportunity, through ham radio, to engage in conversation with orbiting astronauts and inspired many to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Consider how you might inspire students in your area through this chance to capture images directly from space to their computers.
Please note that the event, and any ARISS event, is dependent on other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and are subject to change at any time.
While preparations are being finalized please check for new and the most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the AMSAT-BB@amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status for the latest information on this event.
Upcoming Contacts
VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg
Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg
Find more details at Upcoming Contacts
Recent Contacts
A telebridge contact with students from the Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation Program at The International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, Washington, D.C., was successful Thu 2017-07-20 13:23:10 UTC 56 deg.
A telebridge contact with students at Saint Joseph School, Ronkonkoma, NY was successful Mon 2017-05-22 12:35:43 UTC 87 deg. Read more
A telebridge contact with students at Virginia Reinhardt Elementary School, Rockwall, TX, was successful Mon 2017-05-15 15:28:09 UTC 71 deg. Read more
A telebridge contact with students at Ecole College Park School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, was successful Mon 2017-05-08 18:19:40 UTC 59 deg. Read more
A direct contact with students from Collège Georges Brassens, Saint-Venant, France, Collège René Cassin de Lillers, Lillers, France, and Lycée Polyvalent Anatole France, Lillers, France, was successful Fri 2017-05-05 09:58:56 UTC 39 deg. Read more
A direct contact with students at the 14th Elementary School Katerini, Greece, was successful Sat 2017-04-29 12:02:10 UTC 69 deg . Read more
A direct contact with students from Lycée Hélène Boucher, Thionville, France, was successful Thu 2017-04-27. Read more
A direct contact via W6SRJ with students at Brook Haven School in Sebastipol, CA, USA was successful Wed 2017-04-19 18:40:43 UTC 82 deg. Read more
A direct contact via F6KCO with students from College Roger Martin Du Gard, Bellême, France was successful Fri 2017-04-14 15:20:44 UTC 48 deg. Read more
A telebridge contact via LU1CGB with students from the Brahma Kumaris Educational Society, Rajasthan, India was unsuccessful Mon. 2017-04-03 08:19:38 UTC 53 deg. ARISS is rescheduling the contact. Read more
A direct contact with students at Tolyatti, Russia School was successful 2017-04-01 17:09 UTC with astronaut Sergey Ryzhikov. Read more
A telebridge contact via IK1SLD with individuals from the Council of State Science Supervisors, Los Angeles, CA, was successful Wed. 2017-03-29 18:03:38 UTC 21 deg. with Astronaut Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD. Read more
A telebridge contact via W6SRJ with students at “School of Trois Paletuviers”, Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock, French Guyana, was successful Thu 2017-03-23 12:42:26 UTC 61 deg. Read more
